Marion Man Charged With Murder, Accused Of Fatally Hitting Indiana State Trooper With Vehicle

March 9, 2023 at 10:07 p.m.
Marion Man Charged With Murder, Accused Of Fatally Hitting Indiana State Trooper With Vehicle
Marion Man Charged With Murder, Accused Of Fatally Hitting Indiana State Trooper With Vehicle

By Staff Report-

DEKALB COUNTY - DeKalb County Prosecuting Attorney Neal R. Blythe announced Thursday that Terry D. Sands II has been charged with murder, resisting law enforcement, Level 2 felony; operating with a controlled substance resulting in death, Level 4 felony; and resisting law enforcement, Class A misdemeanor, for his actions on March 3 that led to the death of Indiana State Police Master Trooper James Bailey.

At approximately 4:35 p.m. March 3, Bailey was working traffic on I-69 when he became aware of a pursuit just south of him, according to a news release Thursday from the DeKalb County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. Bailey attempted to assist with the pursuit, and was out of his car working to help the Fort Wayne Police Department officer who was pursuing Sands, 42, of Marion. Sands is alleged to have knowingly or intentionally turned his car directly toward Bailey, which resulted in Bailey being struck and killed by Sands’ vehicle.

The news release states, “Our hearts, thoughts and prayers continue to go out to the family of Master Trooper Bailey. They have been forced to face the most horrible tragedy any family could ever suffer.  Master Trooper Bailey served the people of DeKalb County and the state of Indiana with honor and courage, and his loss has left a hole in our community. Today’s announcement is the first step towards seeking justice for Master Trooper Bailey, his family and friends and the law enforcement community.”

The case is pending and the investigation is still ongoing.

DEKALB COUNTY - DeKalb County Prosecuting Attorney Neal R. Blythe announced Thursday that Terry D. Sands II has been charged with murder, resisting law enforcement, Level 2 felony; operating with a controlled substance resulting in death, Level 4 felony; and resisting law enforcement, Class A misdemeanor, for his actions on March 3 that led to the death of Indiana State Police Master Trooper James Bailey.

At approximately 4:35 p.m. March 3, Bailey was working traffic on I-69 when he became aware of a pursuit just south of him, according to a news release Thursday from the DeKalb County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. Bailey attempted to assist with the pursuit, and was out of his car working to help the Fort Wayne Police Department officer who was pursuing Sands, 42, of Marion. Sands is alleged to have knowingly or intentionally turned his car directly toward Bailey, which resulted in Bailey being struck and killed by Sands’ vehicle.

The news release states, “Our hearts, thoughts and prayers continue to go out to the family of Master Trooper Bailey. They have been forced to face the most horrible tragedy any family could ever suffer.  Master Trooper Bailey served the people of DeKalb County and the state of Indiana with honor and courage, and his loss has left a hole in our community. Today’s announcement is the first step towards seeking justice for Master Trooper Bailey, his family and friends and the law enforcement community.”

The case is pending and the investigation is still ongoing.
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